Steel Industry Makes Case Against Aluminum Usage In Vehicles Like 2015 Ford F-150

October 3, 2014 9:47 pm

Tired of being left out of the weight saving discussion, the steel industry is fighting back against the recent surge of attention paid to aluminum. Not so fast says the steel industry.

Steel producer ArcelorMittal Director of Automotive Product Applications Blake Zuidema recently spoke with Automotive news about their products and a recent study they conducted. Zuidema says their products can meet market needs and future truck designs. Also, Zuidema said they were able to save almost 400 pounds of weight by using high-strength steel in key structural areas like the frame, cab and bed box.

He also points out that automakers can use the high-strength steel along with power train improvements to meet or exceed the 2025 fuel-economy targets. These comments, of course, are in direct contrast to the aluminum-paneled 2015 Ford F-150 (which saved 700 pounds compared to the old model). Steelmakers like ArcelorMittal say Ford took the most cost-effective and labor-intensive route to shed weight.

With the new 2015 Ford F-150 hitting the market now, of course the steel industry is fighting back. But is it too little too late?

By Tim Esterdahl

Tim is a married father of three living in Western Nebraska. He spends a lot of time reading, writing and talking cars/trucks with fans, insiders and manufacture reps. When he isn't talking about cars, he is usually out playing golf - a never ending obsession to see how far the little white ball will fly.